ExplorOcean is hosting two lectures with Dr. Ana Sirovic from Scripps Institution of Oceanography.  On Thursday May 29^th, there will be two lectures, one at 4pm and it will be repeated at 7pm. The lecture will discuss how ocean noise varies across the Pacific Ocean and what it means for the animals that call the ocean home. Marine animals produce many audible sounds and also infra and ultra-sonic sounds.  These sounds are used to navigate, find food and mate. Dr. Sirovic received her PhD from Scripps Institute, where she continues to be an active researcher, her interest is in the area of bioacoustics. Her area of expertise is using acoustic methods and technologies to further the understanding of endangered species and commercially important fish.  Doors open 30 minutes prior to the lecture, come early for a good seat.  This lecture is free for members and $15 for non-members. Registration for this event is required; see their website to complete this process: http://explorocean.org/education/lecture-series/.

Pelican Hill is a group of exclusive neighborhoods that are adjacent to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  By being adjacent to the resort, residents of these neighborhoods enjoy many amenities offered through the Pelican Hill resort.  The estate at 33 Canyon Terrace, Newport Coast, is in Pelican Hill. The home has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The grand two-story entry has a dramatic floating wrap around staircase. In addition, there are his and her offices and a large open plan kitchen. This estate is on an oversized lot which boasts a luxurious pool, cabana and private putting green complete with a sand trap. There are just 140 homes in the Pelican Hill neighborhood. The Pelican Hill’s neighborhood is positioned near the Crystal Cove State Park, which provides the area with over three miles of pristine sandy beach and 2,400 acres of undeveloped land for outdoor activities.

It is almost time for the next installment of What’s Cooking at the Library.  The May class will be hosted by Chef Cathy Pavlos.  Chef Pavlos is head chef owner of the new Newport Beach restaurant Provenance. Provenance is located in the Eastbluff community. Chef Cathy also is chef owner of Irvine’s Lucca. The culinary inspiration for Provenance comes from Napa Valley and Sonoma County and the mother cuisines of France and Italy. Provenance will grow many of their own vegetables and herbs in their 1,330 square foot garden.   In this class, she will be demonstrating her seasonal recipes and providing samples for the participants. The cooking class will be from 7pm to 9pm.  This event is held at the Newport Beach Central Library Friends Room. 

Pelican Hill is a wonderful place to call home.  Pelican Hill has five exclusive, luxury neighborhoods: Pelican Hill, Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Point. The home at is 5,000 square feet with an oversized lot.  This five bedroom, six bathroom home has panoramic views of the neighboring canyons, city night lights and beautiful sunsets.  The home has an open design, while still maintaining privacy.  The floor plan flows easily from indoors to outdoors.  The kitchen has all Viking appliances, marble flooring and granite countertops.  Outside there is a sunken barbecue area, raised dining area, pool and spa.  The yard is filled with mature gardens. Students attend the Newport Coast Elementary School and the Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Residents are within walking distance of the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.

The 21 Oceanfront Restaurant is having a 90 Points Plus Rated Wine Dinner. On Tuesday, April 29^th, at 6:30PM join this fabulous tasting and wine education event.  Jim Galvin will be the evening speaker.  Chef Miroslav Rusey has prepared an incredible menu paired with all 90 plus point wines. The starter course is a capriccio of scallops with lime olive oil infused micro greens paired with the 90 point Lanson Brut, Black label.  The first course will be a Maine Lobster and Blue Crab Cake with the Joseph Drouhin Chablis, 2010, a 90 point wine.  The second course is chopped spring greens with duck prosciutto with sautéed grapes and aged Balsamic vinaigrette, paired with a Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir, 2011, a 92 point wine.  The entrée will be a crusted sweet red bell pepper petite filet with goat cheese and mushroom ravioli, with a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon by Nickel and Nickel, rate 94 points.  Dessert will be an Amarena Jubilee with Pistachio Biscotti with an Essensia Orange Muscat rated at 93 points. Tickets are $110 per person.  To make reservations or find out about other special events see their website at: www.21oceanfront.com.

Pelican Hill is an exclusive group of neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is best known for the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  The home at 6 Fair Harbor, Newport Coast feels as if it is a resort.  This luxury home is approximately 8,800 square feet with five bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.  The home has a distinct Mediterranean style and has an elevated lot, ensuring stunning views.  The views include the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor, the Pelican Hill Golf Course and evening sunsets.  The outdoor spaces are filled mature landscaping, a wraparound deck, pool, spa, fire pit and outdoor kitchen.  Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated community.  There are just 140 custom built estates in this neighborhood.  Residents enjoy the many outdoor activities available at the Crystal Cove State Park.

As Easter rapidly approaches, it is time to start planning for that special Easter meal.  The Island Hotel is serving a Traditional Easter Brunch from 11am to 2pm.  Join family and friends this Easter, at the Island Hotel, for a lavish champagne brunch buffet.  The coastal setting of the Island Hotel’s luxurious ballroom is the perfect backdrop to enjoy this sumptuous holiday brunch. This traditional brunch will have a made to order egg and omelet station, craving station, pancake bar and chilled seafood bar. Executive Chef David Mann’s philosophy is to stay true to each season, and lets this drive menu selections.  Kids of all ages will love the special appearance by the Easter Bunny.  As you dine, enjoy live jazz music.  Reservations are recommended for this special event, the cost is $85 for adults and $29 for children. To make reservations or to find out about the Easter Brunch, see the Island Hotel website at: http://www.islandhotel.com/About/Default.aspx.

Pelican Hill is an exclusive group of neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  This group of gated communities surrounds the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  The home located at 2 Shoreline, Newport Coast is a five bedroom, six bathroom custom built estate.  This home is approximately 7,000 square feet with both a formal dining room and living room.  The spacious kitchen has three Viking ovens, two Sub-Zero refrigerators with a walk in pantry.  The kitchen opens onto a large dining room which opens to the outdoor terraces. In addition, there is large family room, media room and game room. The estate is situated in the Pelican Point neighborhood, which is just south of Corona del Mar, off of the Pacific Coast Highway.  This 24 hour guard gated community is home to just 48 custom built estates.  The Pelican Point neighborhood is positioned very near the Crystal Cove State Park, which provides the area with over three miles of pristine sandy beach and 2,400 acres of undeveloped land for outdoor activities.

This coming Thursday April 3, 2014 the Big Newport Theater is hosting an exclusive screening of new motion picture “Draft Day.”  Beginning at 7pm, join in the festivities as Kevin Costner and director Ivan Reitman walk the red carpet.  Ivan Reitman will introduce this movie as well. Tickets are $25 per person and all proceeds will benefit the Foundation for the Undefeated.  The Foundation for the Undefeated “champions stories of perseverance in sports to inspire greatness in others.”  After the filming, All Access Pass holders are invited to continue the celebration at the after party held at the Newport Beach Civic Center. All Access Pass holders will enjoy cocktails, appetizers, music and dancing.  All Access Passes are available for $175.00.  This evening is being presented by Summit Entertainment, a Lionsgate Company. For more information or tickets, see their website at: http://www.theundefeated.org/.

Pelican Hill is a fabulous collection of neighborhoods which surround the world renowned Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  The home located at 10 Kingsport Drive, Newport Coast is a stunning example of what Pelican Ridge homes have to offer.  This home was completely remodeled in 2011.  A grand foyer welcomes you home, when you enter this 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home.  Among the beautifully refinished details are custom walnut flooring, iron work and brick arches. This home was made for entertaining with a large chef’s kitchen, wine room and formal dining room.  From both the house and yard, enjoy the views of the surrounding canyons, the Pacific Ocean and beautiful sunsets. Pelican Ridge is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood developed by the Irvine Company in the 1990’s.

The Newport-Mesa Spirit Run is a great way to get the whole family involved in recreational activities.  The NM Spirit Run is road race for both adults and children.  There are three adult courses, a 5k, 10k, and 15k road race.  For ages 4 through 14 there are eight races including a youth 5k and seven ¼ mile to 1 mile races.  After all the racing, stop by and experience the Fitness and Youth Expo.  All the races run are contained within the Fashion Island area and the expo is located at Edward’s Big Newport. The expo will showcase many local business, services and products.  “Camp Newport” from the city of Newport Beach will be there conducting demonstrations and activities related to its summer camps. The expo will feature bungee jumping, rock climbing, a skate park, massage and much more. On Sunday March 23, checkin begins at 6am.  For more information see the race website at: http://nmspiritrun.org/.

Pelican Hill is an exclusive group of neighborhoods, which are adjacent to the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  Pelican Hill is located in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Located at 23000 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, this two bedroom, two bathroom villa is turnkey. Set high on a bluff, this villa has beautiful views of Laguna Beach, the Pacific Ocean, white water, and gorgeous sunsets.  Among the many amenities offered by the homeowners association include golf, a variety of outdoor pools, walking and biking trails and a fitness center.  Residents’ in this area are near Crystal Cove State Park and Fashion Island.

Tuesday, March 4^th, is Fat Tuesday.  Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Cannery Village with food and drink specials throughout the afternoon and evening.  Cannery Village’s Mardi Gras $5 cocktail list includes a Champagne Cocktail, Cajun Lemonade, complete with a dash of Tabasco, Cannery Sazerac and Katrina in a Glass, a combination of rum, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, falernum syrup and lime bitters.  Their Mardi Gras food specials include; shrimp and grits, fried oysters, and jambalaya with shrimp, frog legs and andouille sausage.  The party begins at 11:30am and goes into the evening. The Cannery has a 90 year history.  It was the first commercial fish cannery in Newport Beach opened in 1921. The Cannery was re-opened as a waterfront restaurant and harbor boat center in 1973. The Cannery takes part in Newport Beach Dock and Dine program. For more information about The Cannery, this Mardi Gras event or other events, see their website at: http://www.cannerynewport.com/.

Pelican Hill is home to some of the most prestigious real estate in Newport Coast and Newport Beach.  Residents are invited to take part in all the resort amenities of the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. Situated in the Pelican Heights neighborhood of Montecito, the home at 25 Vista Tramonto, Newport Coast is a 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom stunner. Enjoy entertaining your guests in a formal living room and dining room and with a chef’s kitchen. Outside homeowners will enjoy a pool, spa, barbeque area and outdoor fireplace.  The home has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Newport Coastline, city night lights and exemplary sunsets.   Monticeto is a small neighborhood of just 97 homes. Students attend Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

ExplorOcean will hold a Makers Camp this coming week, during the school break.  Student participants, called “Campers” will participate in adult guided activities such as projects using LittleBits and Makey Makey tools.  Kids will have a chance to self design using their base kit and tinker tools available in the ExplorOcean innovation lab.  The innovation lab has a wide variety of tools including, but not limited to, mini-motors, laser cutters, alligator clamps, pipe cleaners, conductive paint and play dough. Children are encouraged to explore, imagine and create.  This class runs 9am to 4pm each day with extended hours available for an extra fee. This will not be the only session of the Makers Camp, there are several held throughout the year. For price information for member, non-members and material kit, to register or see other programs offered through ExplorOcean, see their website at: http://explorocean.org/education/camps/.

Pelican Hill is a prestigious section of Newport Coast to search for real estate.  These neighborhoods surround the world renowned Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  Among the several neighborhoods in Pelican Hill are Pelican Crest, Pelican Heights and Pelican Point.  The home at 21 Sea View Lane, Newport Coast is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates neighborhood.  This home was designed for entertaining.  The main floor has a large gourmet kitchen paired with a great room, giving home owners a large flowing entertainment space.  This four bedroom, four bathroom home has views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, surrounding canyons and beautiful sunsets.  The upper level houses a private master suite with loft. Pelican Ridge Estates is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood, planned and developed by the Irvine Company.  Residents have easy access to Crystal Cove State Park.

The Newport Jazz Party will begin on February 13^th. Enjoy three days and four nights of jazz.   The Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa will host both indoor and outdoor concerts and jazz related events. This is the 14^th annual year, this event is being held. Again this year, Joe Rothman and John McClure will be your hosts. This is a creative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with a special Valentine’s Jazz Dinner in the Newport Coast Ballroom.  During the event there will be two jazz brunches. Among the many types of performances will be guitar, vocals, piano and reeds.  Amongst the many performers are Harry Allan, Eric Reed Trio, Frank Capp Juggernaut and many, many more. There are some reserved seating events, so make your plans early.  To see a complete list of performers, performance schedule and to purchase tickets see their website at: http://www.newportbeachjazzparty.com/.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Pelican Hill residents have the wonderful opportunity to advantage of the amenities of the world-class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. With a high bluff setting, the home at 31 Vista Luci, Newport Coast has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, Fashion Island and picture perfect sunsets.  This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built by Capital Pacific Homes. The gourmet kitchen is finished with granite countertops and all Viking appliances.   Located in the Monticeto neighborhood of Pelican Heights, residents enjoy a small neighborhood of just 97 homes and are walking distance to the Pelican Hill Resort.   Students attend the award winning Newport Mesa Unified Schools, Newport Coast Elementary and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

It is time to start thinking about planting your vegetable garden.  On February 1^st, 2014, Roger’s Garden will present My Edible Garden with Steve Hampson.  The talk will begin at 9am and last approximately an hour. Steve Hampson is a well-known horticulturist, who has been with Roger’s Gardens since 2003.  He is an accredited judge and regional director of the Pacific Region of the American Daffodil Society. This class will focus on everything edible, such as herbs, vegetables, fruits, berries and others.  This month’s discussion will include cool weather vegetables, starting warm season vegetable transplants from seed, insect control and fertilizing fruit trees. This will be an interactive discussion, with a question and answer session. There will a food truck at Roger’s Garden this day, it will be Kogi BBQ.  For more information or a list of other events see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/

Pelican Hill is an area with the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is best known for the world-class hotel and golf course, that shares its name; Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Coast. The homes in the surrounding neighborhoods are as exclusive as their famous neighbor.  Located at 12 Fairway Point, Newport Coast is a seven bedroom, nine bathroom masterpiece. The home sits on a double lot.  The spacious homes, is over 13,000 square feet in size, has views from many of the rooms. With the bedrooms located on the upper level, the main level features a chef’s kitchen, theater, wine and bar areas and easy access to the outdoor’s for indoor/outdoor entertaining.   The extensive views from the home and property include the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, Palos Verde, city night lights and spectacular sunsets. Pelican Hill has 140 custom built estates.  There is a 24 hour guard gate.